Kotaku: Merch

Raving Rabbid Figures, Now Yours To Buy

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:30:00 MDT

Earlier this year, Crecente got hold of some delightful little Raving Rabbids figures from Ubisoft. Figures I tried to swipe, before he smacked the back of my hand and sand "no, naughty". Well fuck you, Crecente, you and your patronising hand-slapping. I'll just go buy my own, because Ubisoft have announced that the figures - made by NECA - will soon be made available to the public. What's more, there'll be five figures available: the four we've already seen (Sam Fisher, Prince, Altair and vanilla Rabbid) plus a new one, the screaming/plunger-wielding Rabbid, which you can see (along with the classy packaging) after the jump.

[Ubisoft]

Surprise, More Halo 3 Figures

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:00:00 MDT

Sure, you may have lost interest in the seemingly endless procession of Halo 3 repaints, but have others? Nunh unh. They're still buyin' 'em, so McFarlane will keep sellin' em. These five figures - two Elites, a Brute Stalker and two Spartans - are the latest to roll off the factory line, and will be available only at Wal-Mart and Toys 'R' Us.

Space Invaders: The Inevitable Keyboard

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:30:00 MDT

We say inevitable because, really, by 2008 it's one of the last things that hasn't seen some kind of Space Invaders cash-in. And while we'd be well within our rights to loathe this particular tie-in, what with the fact Space Invaders isn't really a PC "thing" and the fact you can't see the letters on the keys, we're going to set our blasters to stun and go easy on it. Because not only does it looks surprisingly appropriate, with all the bad guys the keys and the spacebar our lone hero, it's modelled on the new Mac keyboards, which we wish more PC hardware types would take heed of.

space invaders bendiboard keyboard [technabob]

Valkyria Chronicles Toys All Up In Your Capsule

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:30:00 MDT

Valkyria Chronicles is still a few months off. Pity. Why not pass the time, then, by playing with these capsule toys! Bust them out, put them together, re-enact all the pivotal moments from a game you haven't even played, all because you like the look of the screenshots and are totally behind the idea that in this version of the Second World War, it's awesome that there are chicks who drive tanks in short shorts.

SR 戦場のヴァルキュリア [Yujin, via Siliconera]

Anyone For A $300 Diablo III Statue?

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:30:00 MDT

Come on. Got to be at least some of you care enough about a new Diablo game to want to part with $300 for a statue. It's by Sideshow Collectibles, showing Diablo III's Barbarian in some kind of primal howl. Know that, yes, it really is $299, but know also that this is an unpainted prototype (so yeah, sorry, they're going to add colour to this as well) and that there are two versions, one sans helmet and a limited edition one with a helmet. Just like the game, there's no release date.

Replica Gears Lancer DOES Work (Kinda)

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:30:00 MDT

We were told those overpriced, overblown replica Lancer rifles from the Gears of War universe didn't work! Well. We were lied to. Sort of. Because while they don't actually shoot real bullets, and don't actually feature working chainsaws with which to grind your enemies into chorizo fodder, they do do...something. And that something is simulate a working chainsaw, as the gun rumbles and makes a chainsaw noise. Does this justify the extortionate price tag? No. Does it explain why Dude Huge looks so damn excited every time he's snapped holding one? Probably!

Gears gun replica selling "like hot cakes" [Eurogamer]

Weta's Fancy Halo Statues

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:30:00 MDT

Yeah, Weta are a special effects house (Lord of the Rings, etc), but they're also in the business of selling merch. And when Weta sell merch, they don't do lunchboxes and cheap action figures. They do expensive stuff. This is their upcoming Halo 3 collection, featuring five statues that vary in not only size, but tackiness as well, as they range from the classy to the, well. Tacky. No word on price yet, but here's a hint: they won't be cheap.

Morrigan Statue Does Not Beat Around The Breast

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:30:00 MDT

Wow, two Morrigan mentions in one night! Count yourselves lucky, Darkstalkers fans. Standing 16.5" tall, and going for the princely sum of $275, these statues by Pop Culture Shock will be limited to only 400 units worldwide when released in November. If you don't think you can muster the clams, click through for bigger shots that better highlight the sculptor's attention to...detail.

Darkstalkers Morrigan Statue [Action Figure]

NECA's Ninja Gaiden II Figure

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Whoah, NECA! Slow down! You'll wear yourself out, then you won't be any good to anyone. Not content with releasing God of War figures, and Gears of War of War figures, and Bionic Commando figures, they've just released shots of a Ninja Gaiden II figure as well. Of course, it's of Ryu Hayabusa, who'll stand 7" tall and come with a bunch of weapons and accessories when he's released in September. In case you haven't noticed with those ball hips and wacky shoulders, the emphasis here is on his flexibility, not his detail.

After 11 Months, My Okami Art Book Arrives

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:30:00 MDT

In July 2007, fresh from beating the game, I ordered the Japanese-language edition of the Okami art book. Weeks went by. Then months. No art book. I totally forgot about the thing. Then today, June 24, 2008...success! The book finally turns up (albeit the English-language edition). Was it worth the wait? Was it ever. This is a proper art book. Full of concept art, level design sketches, character reference models and even some mangas detailing both the game's boss battles and "god release" cutscenes. Best part? It even gives you soundtrack advice: ie, if you're reading this, play track 7 on disc 3 of the soundtrack.

Bionic Commando Action Figure Spotted

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:20:00 MDT

Spotted at the 2008 Licensing show held in New York a couple weeks back, this is a prototype of NECA's Nathan Spencer action figure, due in the Fall. Looks even more detailed than their Gears figures, which is saying something. No official details on it yet, but you can pass the time between now and the time you find out how much it costs by admiring the craftsmanship on those ~~hot dogs~~ wonderfully redesigned hydraulic arm cables.

[via Action-Figure, thanks Enycma!]

NECA's Gears Of War: Series 2

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:00:00 MDT

You've seen series 1. Both here and, now, in stores. So time for all you ~~toy~~ adult collectible collectors to start psyching yourself for series two of NECA's Gears of War line. Pictured here are the four figures that'll comprise the batch: Dom, Baird and two variants of the Theron Guards, one with helmet, one sans helmet but with his best ANGRY FACE.

Valkyria Chronicles Statue: Alicia

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:00:00 MDT

Valkyria Chronicles looks gorgeous. Couldn't care less how well it plays. So even if it ends up being a complete disaster, it'll still have its fans, who dig it for the canvas-painting graphical style and snappy re-imagining of WWII Europe. Fans who will, for example, buy over-priced merchandise. Over-priced merchandise like this 20cm statue, of the game's heroine Alicia, which goes on sale later this year for ¥7140 (USD$65).

[via Famitsu]

Buy MGS4, Get This MGS4...Shopping Bag?

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:30:00 MDT

Your first thoughts may be that the Metal Gear Solid 4 marketing juggernaut maaaay have gone a step too far this time. The offer? Buy a gunmetal or regular MGS4 bundle in Japan and (while stocks last!) you get this...bag. It's one of those cotton, canvas-y type bags that you all should be using to throw your groceries in instead of plastic bags. Which may sound boring, but seeing as it's big enough to hold a PS3 box in, it's also mighty practical! After all, most gaming trinkets are just junk to clutter your shelves with. It's nice seeing one you can not only use on a day-to-day basis, but is environmentally conscious to boot!

ＫＯＮＡＭＩ、「MGS4」いよいよ来週発売!最新トレーラーを公開 [Game Watch]

NECA's Gears Of War Box Set

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:30:00 MDT

Oh, hey, those Gears of War figures are out. If you’re after one or two, great, hope you got ‘em. If you’re after all four of them, this may be of interest: NECA are to release a box set, which includes all four Gears of War figures in the one pack plus a couple of minor additions, like a new Locust head and the Hammer of Dawn. No word on price yet, but it should be out in a few weeks time.

Custom Fallout 3 Figure From The Brotherhood Of Awesome

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:30:00 MDT

Heeeey, it's Jin Saotome! You remember Jin Saotome, right? Talented kid. Makes his own custom action figures, official licensing deals be damned. This is one of his latest gaming-related works, a member of Fallout's Brotherhood of Steel, circa Fallout 3. The gun's a bit too futuristic, but the guy himself? Totally nailed it.

Custom Fallout 3 Power Suit! [Jin Saotome, thanks Nicholas!]

Clank Figure Acts As Bait For Game Purchase

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:40:00 MDT

For all the series' popularity, especially with the wee ones, it's a wonder nobody at Sony ever thought to cash in on it all by licensing out some Ratchet & Clank action figures. Who knows, one day, they might. Til then, this'll have to do! GameStop are running a preorder promo where if you throw some cash down on Secret Agent Clank for the PSP, you'll get one of these Clank figures. I haven't heard the nicest of words about the game, but I can vouch for the niceness of that figure! Adorable.

Secret Agent Clank bonus: pre-order figurine [PlayStation.Blog]

Why Does Vega Have Balloon Nipples?

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:30:00 MDT

I know. That Sagat statue was nice and all, but his hands were so big, and that scar on his chest was so gross....it's perfectly reasonable to expect you to want something a little cleaner. A little more...beautiful. Like this Vega Statue. By Sideshow Collectibles, it's due in Q4 this year, and there'll only be 200 of them available worldwide. Which can only mean one thing: nutjob prices. At 20" he's nicely detailed, but at $275 I don't expect his chest to look like he's wearing a extra small-sized, inflatable sumo suit.

Comic-Con Exclusive Gears Figure Is Here Today, Gone Very Soon

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Going to Comic-Con in San Diego this year? May as well pick a couple of these up, make some cash money off some die-hard Gears fans unable to make the trip. This NECA Gears figure will only be available at this year's Comic-Con, and depicts Delta Squad's Anthony Carmine, presumably only moments before his untimely demise. A pic so big you can almost smell that newly-opened toy smell is after the jump.

They Listened: Buy Bee, Boo Mario Plushies

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 15 May 2008 05:30:00 MDT

This was a gimme for Nintendo. After all, Bee Mario was the most adorable thing that fat plumber's done in years, so capitalising on the love-in by releasing a soft, cuddly replica was a no-brainer. It'll be available in July, for around $25. If your collectible tastes for the game run to the more supernatural end of the spectrum, a Boo Mario will be available as well. Same time, same price.

Super Mario Galaxy Plush Doll: Bee Mario [Play-Asia, via Go Nintendo]

6" Warhawk Figures Usher In An Era Of Desktop Dogfights

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:20:00 MDT

A PlayStation.Blog post about an upcoming Warhawk tournament actually contains something far more interesting: news of a line of miniature Warhawk figures. Gentle Giant studios are currently at work on the project, and when done will be releasing a line of 6" replicas based on the series' trademark fighter. They'll even come with little plastic stands, so it looks like they're flying, and you can pick them up off your desk and be all "mmmmmyyyeeewwwwww, pew pew pew" when nobody's looking.

Warhawk GGL Tournament! [PlayStation.Blog]

Sagat's Big Hands Are All The Better To [Something] You With

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:40:00 MDT

Yup. BIG HANDS. But don't let them put you off this Sagat statue by SOTA. It's not his fault, is it? Indeed, he's become quite sensitive about it, so if you don't mind, quit your staring. Due in September, it's - as you can see - a highly detailed representation of Thailand's favourite one-eyed son, stands 12" and will cost you $120.

Newer, Better Halo 3 Toys

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:30:00 MDT

Look, there's nothing wrong with McFarlane's Halo line. They're nice figures. It's just, McFarlane are known for stuff with a little more size, and a little more detail, than the wee little figures they've released thus far. Now this new stuff, it's more their style. They've just announced two new lines for the end of the year: two 12" Master Chiefs (one a Wal-Mart exclusive) and the "Legendary Collection", a series of "non-articulated large-scale" figures that includes the Chief, Arbiter and a Brute Chieftain. The 12" figures are due in September, the Legendary Collection in November.

12" Lara Croft Figure Is Surprisingly Tasteful

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:20:00 MDT

I think Lara Croft, I think 90's platforming, dinosaurs and leaps of faith. You may, however, think of something else. Well, two things. If so, don't be too disappointed when you see this new, premium 12" figure from Sideshow, depicting Ms. Croft as not only well-prepared, but well-dressed. She's packing ten weapons/accessories, 30+ points of articulation and three pairs of interchangeable hands, and will be available Q4 for around USD$80. Nice boots.

Your Big Daddy Could Have Looked Like This

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:30:00 MDT

To promote BioShock, 2K shipped the collector's edition with a Big Daddy figurine. Sounded great in theory, but in practice, the thing was too fragile, and looked like it had been painted by...well, somebody who had never played BioShock. And who loved the smell of industrial-strength spraypaint a little too much. Enter a Mr. David Blades, who took the standard figure, broke its arms and legs off, then re-posed and re-painted the whole thing so it's looking much nicer. Well played, Mr. Blades, well played.
Mr Bubbles [schwerpunkt]

This Deluxe WoW Figure Will Totally Kick Your Ass

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:30:00 MDT

Don't confuse old Brave Highmountain here with your regular, run-of-the-mill World of Warcraft figures. Those things are for the Average Joe and his Average Toy Shelf. This thing, like last year's Illidan Stormrage, is deluxe. A deluxe Tauren Hunter, to be precise, which has a ton of detail, and will most likely sell like hotcakes when its released in December.
World of Warcraft Deluxe Collector Figure: Series 3 [Action-Figure]

Awww, New Sony Cat Action Figures

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:30:00 MDT

Heeeeey, it's Toro, Sony Computer Entertainment's kooky mascot cat. And his friends! And their new official line of action figures/desk paperweights. You may be ordering yours (as we speak!) as a devoted fan of all things PlayStation, but since the figures come with interchangeable faces, I'm ordering mine as a handy mood indicator. If Toro's happy, I'm happy. If he's sad, I'm sad. If he's that face on the far right, I'm...having toilet issues?
PlayStation Store [Sony Japan]

Yes, A Third Series Of WoW Figures

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:30:00 MDT

Here, more World of Warcraft figures for the unhealthily obsessed to spend their real-world dollars on. These are the third series to be released by DC Direct, and while they won't be out until November, they figure March is early enough to begin whetting your appetite with pictures. Four figures will make up the series: a Blood Elf Paladin, a Dranei Mage, an Undead Rogue and a Human Priestess. Lookers, the lot of them.
World of Warcraft Series 3 [Action-Figure]

Lego Will Make Your Lego MMO Designs (And Dreams) Come To Life

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:15:00 MST

We (and I mean "we" as in "humanity") are all already super-excited for the upcoming Lego MMO. We'll all have to find room to squeeze a little more excitement in, though. Think there's some space up the back. Why? Because Lego have announced that, if you'd like, they can take any character - and "other creations" - that you create in the game and make them. Into real Lego. At the proper Lego factory in Denmark.

Somebody hold me.
Brick by Brick [GI.biz] [Pic]

Ed's note: The NetDevil folks first mentioned this possibility a year ago when we broke the news of LEGO Universe.

TF2 Plushies Inbound

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:30:00 MST

Via G4TV, it's been confirmed that Valve's desirable, adorable line of plushies are about to expand beyond the Half-Life universe. They'll also be releasing plushies based on Team Fortress 2's iconic characters, with the big, cuddly Heavy to be first in line. All well and good, I say, but don't dilly-dally from the HL ones too long - my future, unborn son will not want a Wallace Breen plush toy, he will need one.
[GameTrailers TV]

Liberty City Is The Worst Place In America

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:20:00 MST

It is! Even says so, right there. Reader Ricardo just got hold of these classy GTAIV license plates from Rockstar, which are real plates, to scale, so he can mount them on the automobile/trailer/scooter of his choice. They're even customised...so long as your name's Niko, that is. Not much good if your name's Ricardo. Or anything but Niko.

Finally, A Master Chief For Your Master Chief

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:00:00 MST

These are edible, chocolate...party hats. You wear them when, well...you and your little buddy want to party. As you can see, they're already available in two versions: the viking, and the cowboy. But soon, there'll be a third version: UNSC Spartan John-117. Not the most official piece of Halo merchandise, then, but it's probably the naughtiest.
Chocolate Relations [thanks Mdawg!]

US Toy Fair Day 3: Halo Master Replica Stuff

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:20:00 MST

Day one of the US Toy Fair was pretty big. Day two? We got to see the GROSS exploding Locust noggin figure. Day three brings us shots of Master Replica's new Halo merch. They've already come up with replica Assault Rifles and Covenant Carbines, but on show yesterday was a plasma sword, small-scale replica Spartan helmets, a Hornet statue and, most interestingly, what looks like a large-scale Master Chief figure, which is a bit of a departure for MR. No word on prices or availability yet, so just make do with the pics and use your imagination.

US Toy Fair Images [Action-Figure]

Warthog RC Car Is Unofficial, Fantastic

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:00:00 MST

This is the Helios, a rock-climbing radio-controlled car by Pro-Line. Now, I don't want to go sullying the good name of Pro-Line's art and design departments, but that's no homage. That's straight-up design thievery. And we're all the better for it! Bungie and Microsoft haven't gotten around to plugging this obvious gap in the Halo merch market, so it's good to see Pro-Line picking up the slack. Oh, and yes. At over 12" long you can probably fit your Halo figures in the seats.
Proline - Helios [RCasy, via Hobby Blog]

US Toy Fair Day 1: New Gears Of War, FFXII, Halo & More

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:30:00 MST

The US Toy Fair, being held in NYC, kicked off yesterday, and will run until February 20. And along with all the movie, TV and comic merchandise announced and shown off on the first day were a ton of gaming-related announcements, from IPs such as Street Fighter, Gears of War, Armored Core, Halo and Blue Dragon.

HALO
Alongside the two already-announced Kotobukiya statues was a mockup of the third, Cortana, due later this year. She'll feature a light-up base, making her the perfect night light for the insomniac, living-with-parents thirty-something. Also announced was a fourth Kotobukiya figure, due much later, that will depict two Spartans on a Mongoose. Presumably in a manly, combative pose, and is not just the one riding hanging on lovingly to the one driving.

GEARS OF WAR
Having already unveiled four Gears of Wars figures, NECA have promised to show off further variants and exclusive new figures at the show. They've teased one of those exclusives on their own web site, which you can see above. If that's not the splatter from a chainsawing diorama, then I'm a hat-eating monkey's uncle.

STREET FIGHTER
SOTA aren't actually attending the Fair, but have timed some announcements for it anyways. They are releasing three 1/6 scale resin statues based on Street Fighter characters, each going for USD$100. You'll be able to get Ibuki, Sagat and Blanka.

BLUE DRAGON
No pics yet, but Bandai announced they'll be releasing two action figure lines, one 4", one 7", with each line featuring the "stars of the show". No prizes for guessing, then, that these ones are aimed at kids, with the 7" figures coming with a free episode of the cartoon series.

ARMORED CORE
Kotobukiya aren't just showing off their bigger, Halo-related stuff. They're also displaying some of their Armore Core line, which let you swap and mix body parts so that you can customise your own mech, just like the game.

FINAL FANTASY XII
And finally, where would we be without ludicrously overpriced Squeenix merch? Not at a damned Toy Fair, that's for sure. This is a 1:1 replica of Judge Master Gabranth's helmet from the game. 1:1 as in, yes, you can take it off the base and wear it. That fashionable headgear comes at a price, however: $1300. Yes. $1300.

USTF Coverage [Action-Figure]

Hunter Plushies Now Available

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:30:00 MST

Valve's line of plushies based on Half-Life characters are a big hit. They're Half-Life merch, they're cuddly, everybody wins. Latest in the line is the long-expected Hunter (it was first spotted at Valve HQ in an Edge feature last year, albeit in bigger, more detailed form), which is now up for sale in Valve's online store. At $40 it's a little pricey, but can you say no to such an adorable recreation of this inhuman killing machine? No, that's what I thought.
Hunter Plush Toy [Valve, thanks Mascott!]

Mass Effect Statue Finally Here

torif — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:00:56 MST

The long-awaited figure of Commander Shepard is finally here. He's set to ship worldwide in Q2 2008, but there will be a limited run of 2500 pieces.

Careful, though. If you play with him inappropriately, Cooper Lawrence will have something to say about it.

NECA Announce Fourth Gears Of War Figure

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:20:00 MST

And here we were thinking there were only three Gears of War figures from NECA. Hah. How wrong wrong wrong we were. Turns out there's four figures, with the fourth announced today as being a Locust Sharpshooter. He comes with a great big gun and beady little goggles, and will be shipping right alongside the other three figures in April.

Yet Another Custom Half-Life 2 Figure

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:20:00 MST

Didn't you get the memo? Custom HL2 figures are 2008's cakes. Not as edible, perhaps, but chock full of crafty goodness nonetheless. The latest to drop into our inbox comes via reader Rob, who - inspired by Jin Saotome's cartoony offering - decided to whip up his own Gordon Freeman action figure. Rob writes:

It's not quite as professional as Jin's effort, but I think it makes up for it in accuracy to the source material.

Don't be so hard on yourself, Rob! Looks great (like a Gordon Freeman appearance on Robot Chicken), and yes, we appreciate the increased accuracy to the source material. The base was a nice touch.

Auto Assault Collector's Edition

ataylor — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 08:35:09 MST

NCSoft Europe have announced their Collector Edition pack for their new vehicle-based MMOG, Auto Assault. It's quite a package of all the game-related goodies/junk you could possibly want:

An in-game 'Pet' exclusive to the Collector's Edition a mini RC car!
The full AA client on one convenient DVD
Headset with microphone for in-game voice chat
Manual - 96 full colour pages to help get you started
Road Style Map - folds out to show the full glory of the Central Wastelands - 61cm x 45.7cm
Soundtrack CD with 19 tracks by Richard Dekkard
Explosive poster for your wall - 36cm x 60cm in size
Engraved metal key ring
Collectable Mutant, Human and Biomek postcards
Exclusive bumper sticker
Free Friend's Trial code for 14 days play in Auto Assault

Of course, nothing comes for free: this bumper pack's suggested retail price is 44.99 (approx seventy bucks!). Ouch.

Auto Assault Collector's Edition [Press release]

Pre-order Auto Assault Collector's Edition [Amazon]